"Meeting of the rainbow tribes": meetings of modern hippies

The Rainbow Tribes Meeting is an annual gathering of people who support the ideals of peace, love and freedom. Admission to these meetings is free, there is no hierarchy and clear organization in the community — each of the participants is responsible for finding a place to camp, cook food, provide first aid and safety.

Expenses are covered by donations: utopians conduct dance and meditation lessons, sit in a circle and play drums, collect herbs and do yoga.

(21 photos in total)

Source: Vice

The author of these photos Denis Vedzhas says that the invitation to the first meeting came to him by e—mail - it was a scan of a postcard with a hand-drawn map and psychedelic images of flowers and hearts. The card was signed with the words "Welcome home."

The first meeting of the rainbow tribes was held in 1972 in Colorado, it was attended by more than 20 thousand people. It was assumed that the meeting would not be so massive — a small group of people was supposed to gather for four days in a remote wild place, meditate and pray for peace. But now such meetings are held many times a year around the world, usually 20-30 kilometers from some city.

The author of the photos says that at the first such meeting he met hippies and nomads, Russian alcoholic priests, anarchists, hackers, self-proclaimed prophets and various creative people.

Vedjas took these photos from 2011 to 2014 in Mexico, Guatemala, Russia and Morocco.

Meeting of the rainbow tribes in Karelia in 2011.

Karelia, 2011.

Guatemala, 2012.

Guatemala, 2012.

Guatemala, 2012.

Guatemala, 2012.

Guatemala, 2012.

Guatemala, 2012.

Palenque, Mexico, December 2012—January 2013. Palenque is the area where the ancient Mayan city was located.

Palenque, December 2012—January 2013.

Oaxaca, Mexico, March 2013.

Oaxaca, March 2013.

Oaxaca, March 2013.

Oaxaca, Mexico, March 2013.

Oaxaca, Mexico, March 2013.